Abstract
This design practice research draws on the author’s experience as an influencer illustrator with over 1,000,000 followers on short video platforms to investigate visual storytelling and audience engagement. This self-reflective study seeks to identify effective content strategies and storytelling techniques that appeal to a broad audience. The primary research questions focus on how narrative styles in visual content contribute to long-term viewer interest and identify critical visual storytelling techniques that increase audience engagement. The methodology is based on a first-person perspective, with the author’s social media account serving as a live case study. This approach entails a thorough examination of the content, audience reactions, and engagement metrics, providing a practical and immersive insight into the influencer experience. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of narrative techniques with quantitative assessment of audience responses. The findings are expected to provide a unique insider’s perspective on the mechanics of audience engagement in influencer marketing, particularly for illustrators on short-form video platforms. The study’s findings are intended to provide useful insights and strategies for content creators and digital marketers. Finally, the study examines the implications of these findings for influencers and digital content creators. It also identifies potential future research areas, taking into account the ever-changing landscape of social media and online engagement. This study’s self-referential nature makes a unique contribution to design practice research by combining academic inquiry with real-world influencer experience.
Presenters
Xuemin YouStudent, Master's Degree, Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Sichuan, China Rafeah Legino
Associate Professor, Faculty of Art and Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Thinking, Learning, Doing: Plural Ways of Design
KEYWORDS
Audience Engagement Influencer Illustrators Short Video Visual Storytelling
